Chapter 5: Homecoming

A month has passed since the pack's intervention in Beacon Hills. When they returned home, they were greeted by all the children, who were more than happy to see them back. They were yapping and jumping in all directions, not really knowing how to express their immense joy. After several long minutes, they finally calmed down and let their parents put away the few things they had taken with them.

In the month that has passed since their return, many things have happened in the pack, especially for Caleb. In fact, he had wanted to get a tattoo for a long time, but was never sure of the design he wanted. So, he decided to make one related to his origins, although they were unknown to him for a long time.

Since he didn't know his origins, due to being adopted as a child, he did some research. This research made him discover that he is Samoan. He didn't expect it at all, because he thought he was completely American. All he thought he'd find was the state he was born in, which turns out to be Pennsylvania. But, he is happy to know that these are his true origins, which have been hidden from him for too long.

Thanks to his discoveries, he settled on the tattoo he wanted. It will be based on tribal motifs, widely represented among the Polynesians, from whom he descends. His research even led him to wonder if he might not be Maori, but he has not been able to find more information for the moment.

Once the patterns have been chosen, namely tribal patterns, all that remains is to know what he wants to represent with them and where he wants to place them. As for the placement, he quickly decided. There will be one on the left bicep, which goes all the way around, and another on his right forearm, which also goes all the way around. The two will have different, but very similar, meanings. The one on the bicep represents two wolves looking at each other, although it is quite abstract. These wolves looking at each other represent his relationship with Hanna. He had wanted to symbolize their relationship for a long time, but he couldn't quite figure out how. The tattoo on his right forearm represents a group of wolves, with cubs. Many would be tempted to think that this represents his family, but that is not entirely the case. This tattoo represents his pack, as well as his family, of course.

Tribal tattoos can be quite abstract at times. But, at other times, they are very clear about what they represent. Often, these are shapes that fit together to create the final pattern. In some cases, it's so complex that people don't know what it is.

Caleb isn't the only one who got a tattoo, Emily also got one, and with the same kind of tribal designs. The final pattern she chose represents a shark, in reference to the team in which she performed and won many titles, when she was still at school. However, a tear in his rotator cuff brought his career to a grinding halt. It happened before she became a werewolf, but the self-healing gene couldn't do anything for her. This injury was too severe and was not treated properly, which explains why it is still present. Of course, it is less painful and does not prevent him from continuing swimming. However, few coaches are willing to hire him, because of this injury.

The place she chose for her tattoo is just below her neck. Indeed, she didn't want it to be something too big, so that the place could be quite discreet. The underside of the neck is the perfect spot, making it visible when she wants, but allowing her to hide it if she wants.

Spencer, too, decided to get a tattoo. She chose the Ouroboros, the serpent that bites its tail, signifying renewal. This is a rather common meaning among werewolves, because they always appear young, since they age very slowly. She decided to wear it wrapped around her left wrist, making sure it was rather small to be discreet. The place she chose is not known for being discreet, unless you choose small designs, which is the case with Spencer.

In addition to the members who got tattoos, it was the new requests for integration that surprised the pack. Indeed, they did not expect it, but, fortunately, not many people applied this time. There are only three, two of which are very well known to the pack. The third person seems almost unknown.

The first two to express interest in joining the pack upon their return were Wren and Noel. For Wren, it was only a matter of time, since Melissa had imprinted on him. He wasn't particularly planning to join the pack, but the pressure Melissa put on him made him change his mind. And, looking back, he realizes that being in a relationship with her and not being part of it would be complicated. So, for his own good, and to satisfy his curiosity at the same time, he decided to join the pack.

For Noel, it's different. He made the request purely for the muscularity it can give him, as well as the strength and all the other benefits. It's the only thing he cares about, although he promised that he would bring things to the pack and not just be someone who ignores them and doesn't participate in active life.

Having every reason they should have before agreeing to bite them, Kurt and Aria went to fulfill their role as Alpha. Once bitten, they were taken to one of the rooms of the central house, with instructions to rest for the following week. Neither seemed to object to their order, on the contrary, they already seemed tired. They fell into a bed and fell straight to sleep.

The third person to make the request, or rather who plans to do so, arrived this morning. This is a young woman no more than 25 years old. She has long brown hair, which she keeps tied in a ponytail. She wears very loose clothing, effectively hiding her curves. She is dragging a large suitcase behind her, as if she was moving. Attached to his right hand, a little boy barely three years old. He was hiding behind his mother's legs, as if he was afraid of something or someone.

Upon entering the pack's territory, the young woman looked around for someone. She didn't find the person she was looking for, so she asked Finn, who was passing by. He stopped immediately when he heard someone call out to him. He was also surprised when he saw a person he did not know. Almost no one knows where their territory is, so its presence is suspect. However, the presence of this child reassures him about the person's intentions. It wouldn't occur to a hunter to show up among werewolves, to attack them, with a child. Shaking his head out of his thoughts, Finn gave her his full attention.

"Hello, I…uh…I'm Tara Andrews…an old friend of Emily's. I heard she was here…so…do you know where she is?"

"Oh, yeah, I know who it is. I'll call her. Just wait here, it won't take long."

"Thank you sir…"

Finn went straight to look for Emily, still slightly disturbed by this woman. His way of speaking was very strange. It sounded like she was apologizing as she spoke, or afraid of his reaction. Also, although it's hidden under several layers of full-coverage foundation, she has bruises on her face. You can't hide anything from a werewolf, especially injuries.

After searching for a few seconds, Finn found Emily. He approached her directly, interrupting her discussion. She looked at him, letting out a brief grunt, telling him that she did not appreciate this interruption. Finn lowered his ears slightly, blaming himself for having done that. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat, as he saw that Emily was waiting for him to say what he had to say.

"Yeah…uh…sorry to bother you, but there's someone who says they know you. Does the name Tara Andrews mean anything to you? She says she's an old friend of yours. What do I do ? I'm going to get Kurt and Aria to send her away? Or are you going to talk to her ?"

"Yes, of course I know her. I...it's been over 20 years since I last saw her. She moved away and I didn't hear from her again. Where is she ?"

"At the entrance, I told her to wait there. I didn't really know what to do, but seeing her with her son, well I think it's her son, made me think that she couldn't be dangerous. I know that appearances can be deceiving, but here, I don't think I'm wrong."

"Her son, you say? Does she have a child? I…I have to go see her."

Finn gave her a curt nod, indicating where she was. She didn't seem at all to be expecting the return of an old friend, with whom she had lost contact for a very long time. She had to do a lot of research to find out that Emily is a werewolf and where her pack is. She perhaps has contacts who could have directed her.

Meanwhile Tara was waiting. She didn't know what to expect coming here, and asking what she was about to ask. Having her old friend near her would help, especially since she must know something about it. They lost touch about 20 years ago, when she had to move for personal reasons. At that time, Emily and Aria didn't yet know each other, although they met a few months after Tara moved.

When Emily saw Tara, old memories flashed through her mind. They were friends for about a year, then Tara had to move. She never told him why, although it was none of her business either. But the time had indeed passed, since she saw a little boy firmly clinging to her leg. He hid his face in his mother's baggy pants, seeming to be afraid of everything around him. Taking the time to think for a brief second, Emily went to approach him.

"Hey Hello. I...it's been a long, long time. What brings you here? And, above all, how did you find me?"

"Oh, I…hi. I know it's been a long time and what I have to ask may seem strange. First of all, first thing…I'm really happy to see you again…really…Time passed and I always wondered what became of you…and I…"

"Yeah, I was wondering what happened to you too. I am happy to learn that you are a mother. What is your son's name?"

"Raphaël, he's only three years old, and I…his father…it's a little, even a lot, what brought me here. As for finding you...I just did a little research. I know the territory of a werewolf pack is not easy to find. But, as soon as I could, I searched and…I ended up finding it."

Tara was stuttering and seemed unsure of what words to use. As she spoke, she stared at Emily's right arm, covered by a very large scar, which extends up to her shoulder. This scar is very fresh, because it is still slightly pink in some places, while other places were roughly the same shade as his skin. Emily watched her do it, but still wondered about what she had said about her son's father.

"So...I see that the werewolf life is not easy...judging by this scar...I know it's none of my business and that I...I don't have to comment on it …damn, what came over me…"

Emily looked at her, speechless. These are typical sentences from a person who has suffered physical, moral, and other abuse for many years. In addition to that, there are also his gestures, as well as those of his son. Tara doesn't look her in the eye, as if she's afraid of the repercussions if she does. His son didn't look at anyone and jumped at the slightest sudden noise. These are unmistakable signs.

"Okay, I think I understand what happened to you. So, to start, you can ask me questions about what happened to me. I got this scar a month ago, after fighting a monstrous werewolf. Its special status means that I haven't healed, but it doesn't matter. I'm in great shape and I'm not ashamed of this scar. Next...I may be jumping to a conclusion, but...were you beaten by your ex? The guy who is the father of your child?"

"Yes...that's it...I...I fled the marital home...I no longer wanted to be confronted with his violence...and...I didn't want that for Raphaël...he too was confronted with it and the poor guy doesn't know no longer how to behave with people other than me…that's why I took him with me…"

"You did well to take him with you and run away too. Now, I...if you came here, it's for a special reason, isn't it?"

"Yes…I would like to become a werewolf, too. Maybe my wounds will heal...and maybe my son can too...I don't know if you're okay with biting children, especially ones as young as him..."

"It's not with me that you have to deal with that, but with the Alphas. I will ask them to come, so that you can explain the situation to them."

Tara nodded, still unsure of what she was doing and what the answer would be given to her. They can very well say no to her. If so, she will have to wander from town to town, until she finds a place where she can settle down, far from her violent and psychopathic ex.

At the same time, Emily went looking for Aria and Kurt. Lots of things were going through her head, starting with what she had just discovered. While she was thinking, she saw Kurt in the distance. She went to approach him directly, and pulled him towards the entrance, taking Aria at the same time, because she was right next to it. Both were surprised by such behavior, but had a little difficulty containing their laughter. It was the first time they had seen her like this, and they wondered what put her in such a state.

Emily stopped in front of the entrance, where Tara is, and let go of Kurt and Aria, who looked at each other, slightly embarrassed. Kurt scratched the back of his neck while Aria wondered why Emily brought them there. Tara squeezed her son's hand, fearing the reaction of both people.

"Okay…okay…I take responsibility for what I just did, and you can yell at me. But, you have something more important to worry about. This is Tara, an old friend. She has recently had problems and wants to join the pack, with her son. Do you agree to bite her?"

The two looked at her, searching for words. They end up nodding, understanding the urgency of the situation, despite Emily's terribly short summary. Aria moved up to the child, wanting to get to know him, while Kurt looked at Emily and struck up a conversation.

"Don't worry, it'll work this time. We understood the urgency of the situation, but I admit that it's not very pleasant to be shot like that. So, next time, avoid doing it and just tell us to follow you."

Emily nodded eagerly, although she was visibly blushing. It is clear that she knows that she has done something that is not normally tolerated, because it is a huge lack of respect towards Alphas. Fortunately for her, they didn't hold it against her and even forgave her, even if they didn't do it explicitly.

It was Aria's turn to start the conversation. Being one of the people, of the pack, most sensitive to the emotions of others, she senses that Tara is not doing well. It gives off, in waves, fear and sadness. And, the same goes for her son, who hides behind his mother's legs. When Aria leaned down to get a better look at him, he let out a small, barely perceptible sound of fear.

"What happened ? I know it's personal, but…to better welcome you, we need to know. You don't have to go into details, of course."

"Oh...I...my ex was, and still is...a violent man...he beat me every day, and he reserved the same treatment for Raphaël. One day I got fed up and decided to leave. I packed our bags and left. Of course, I took my son with me, because there was no way I was leaving him in the hands of this violent man…I managed to find out where Emily is…and here I am…"

"Oh yeah, I admit I didn't expect that. But, no problem, you can join the pack".

"Oh…thank you, thank you…many thanks…I don't know how it goes for children…I imagine they are too young to be bitten…"

"Technically, there is no age to be bitten, but it's true that from a certain age, it's better. But, he seems in great shape and we will wait until your incubation period has passed before biting him. That way, you will be there to help him get through this moment which, I know, is quite painful."

"Yes, yes, of course…I will do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes well."

Kurt watched the interaction, feeling the relief coming out of this young woman, traumatized by her past experiences. It seems that she will recover very quickly from all this, because she already stuttered a little less. She seems to have found a sort of renewed energy and joy. She was even jumping, although her legs seemed injured.

With his observations, Kurt had an idea. Introduce this little boy to the other children in the pack, so that he can make friends and no longer be afraid. The children of the pack are very sociable and always looking for new friends, so this is very good.

"We can already introduce Raphaël to the children of the pack. They will be very happy to make a new friend and that could already introduce them to werewolves."

"Oh…yes…why not…so far he hasn't really had any friends. All the children rejected him, because they didn't understand why he was so afraid of everything. I hope the contact goes well."

Kurt nodded and went to get the kids. Everyone arrived, smiles on their faces and fangs clearly visible. This is what characterizes them the most. When they saw Raphael, they burst into joy. Although births are not uncommon in the pack, having a completely new person, someone they don't know, is very nice. Everyone rushed towards him, eager to make his acquaintance. Kurt stopped them in their tracks, not wanting them to accidentally scare him.

"Children, let's calm down. I remind you that he has just arrived and that he doesn't know anyone yet. Let him introduce himself and don't force him to do things he doesn't want to do. He hasn't had an easy life, so give him the time he needs. It's understood ?".

All the children nodded at the same time and moved a little slower. In fact, they had noticed that the new kid didn't seem at all comfortable. They felt his fear and could even taste it, it was so strong. Liam was the one to introduce himself first. At five years old, he takes his role as future Alpha very seriously. When he is at the head of the pack, it will be up to him and Ellie to welcome newcomers to the pack.

"Hi, my name is Liam. What's your name ? Where do you come from ?

Raphaël stared at him, disturbed that someone, other than his mother, was speaking to him openly. This boy did not insult him, on the contrary, he asked him his first name. He introduced himself to him in a cheerful manner, although his red eyes and large teeth were frightening. He didn't seem mean at all.

"I…my name is Raphaël…I'm three years old…"

These were the only words that came out of Raphael's mouth. He is afraid that giving too much information about himself will make the other children not accept him. But it seems that this does not bother them, and that they are awaiting further information. Liam looked at his father, waiting for permission to take him to play with them.

Kurt looked at Tara. After all, she is the one who knows her son best and is able to give him permission to go and play with the other children. After a minute of reflection, she nodded weakly and let her son go play with his new friends. Although the contact was quite difficult, at first, he let go very quickly. He was discovering new ways to play and finally being part of a group of people.

While the children played, Kurt and Aria took Tara to the pack house. This is where it will be bitten and where it will spend its incubation period, under close surveillance, of course. But, before biting it, they must ensure its good health. The healthier it is, the less risk there is of bite rejection.

About a month later, Tara was integrated. Her incubation period went very well, as did that of her son Raphaël. The majority of the injuries they had have disappeared, while the bigger ones have become less debilitating. However, their previous fears have not yet completely disappeared. They always jump at the slightest suddenness and have difficulty staying in rooms full of people. Obviously, with time, it will eventually pass and get better.

The children of the pack are more than happy to have a new friend. They taught him everything he needed to know, including playing techniques he can try out on adults. Of course, they told him that it shouldn't hurt and that some adults are less inclined to play than others. Thanks to all this valuable advice, as well as that given by adults, Raphaël is delighted to be a werewolf and to have friends. He had never had one before, and it saddened him greatly.

With these two new inclusions, the pack is more alive than ever and ready for new adventures. However, spring is just around the corner and we all know what it means. The pack will, perhaps, have new births and see families grow.